7 Training Mistakes You Make When Getting Back in Shape

Mistake #1: Cutting Calories Like Crazy

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Getting back in shape is often code for losing weight. After all, the leaner you are, the faster you'll go. While it's tempting to dramatically reduce your consumption as you ramp up training, this can really mess with your energy levels, sap your mental power, and leave you with too few nutrients for recovery.

Riders' Rx: Eat to support your activity level, says coach Jim Rutberg, coauthor of The Time-Crunched Cyclist. “Continue eating as you have been (keeping portion sizes normal, of course) when you add cycling back into the mix. If you add calories to your day, start with just a small preride snack,” he says.